Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

Off to France on Saturday and as opposed to buying and taking a load of food from Tescos all the way down there in the car and as opposed to arriving late after a day in the car, then having to shop, want to try out LeClerc Drive in the local store, so that we have enough provisions for a couple of days ready and waiting for us as we pass through.

Anyone ever done this? Any tips/things we should know about?

In a typical French fashion, there is not an English translation available and although I can muddle through, don't want to mess it up!

dpb

Good thing you'll arrive on a Saturday not Sunday...

Pump wouldn't take my cc, and there was nonone there at all when we stopped fuel dieppe Leclerc last time

The pickup seems good idea

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

There's some planning in that - seeing as how last time we found out too late all the shops were shut on Sunday... Just trying to be a bit more organised and have fresh food waiting for us when we arrive. I've registered for an online account, just not sure what I might be buying!

Just seen that diesel is £1 litre over there, so happy days esp at 30mpg or less

mickywrx

iTrader: (29)

James, send Alcazar a PM. He's a regular traveller to frog land, so may well have some advice.

LVC

LeClerc Drives have less choice than in the stores and usually only the expensive named brand stuff but has most of the bits you will want - good luck picking it up though as most drives are still pretty new and bit of a hit and miss - speaking French would defo help..... Bon courage, lol

Note: in most towns the classic stores like SuperU, Auchan, Intermarché etc. are now open Sunday mornings (until noon) which is much more helpful than they used to be.

Chip and PIN cards should work in all 24/24 (French version of 24/7) petrol pump stations but again this may depend upon your bank - Santander has always worked for me as a backup if needed. Note also that Amex is rarely accepted in France.

Bon voyage and watch your speed as the gendarmes are on a mission this hols - Hollande needs to replace the coffers over here

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

Thanks LVC

Probably got enough French to muddle through & its only for a couple of days worth of food, so I'm sure we'll work it out.

We're taking cash as I'm fed up of getting clobbered with bank charges & conversion rates on chip n pin.

As to speed, its cruise control under the posted limit. Its our holiday, we're not in a rush, eeking out the mpg and with the Sanef thingy, we find that we re-overtake all the mad speeders who've overtaken us who then get stuck on the tolls

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Diesel id €1.33 on average, it dropped to €1.22,7 over the bank holiday. It's back again. On the motorways, it's €1.47 or so.

Even small towns often have a supermarket tucked away somewhere, Les Trois Mousquetaires, ATAC, and Casino are usual, they almost all have a fuel station there too which is where you'll find cheaper fuel.

If you want food, they are as good as anywhere, an easier shop to....not the same size as the hypermarkets.

tarmac terror

iTrader: (2)

Heading to France on Friday and plan to do the same. As stated, leclerc, intermarche and even Lidl in some locations will have all that you need. Found it a bit more expensive than back home in NI, but probably comparable to prices in the South of England.

Watch out on the speed limits read up on how they work easy to get caught out.

Enjoy your trip.

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

Well, that was a fail!

Choice was limited but we went through the process, added a load of stuff to the cart and went to pay. It doesn't accept UK (or non-French I guess) credit/debit cards and we tried a variety.

So, great idea but let down by technology

Back to the usual way of doing things...